Stephanie Plum Novels in Order: A Complete Reading Guide

The Stephanie Plum series by Janet Evanovich offers a captivating mix of mystery, romance, and adventure. Janet Evanovich has crafted a world that seamlessly combines humor and intrigue in each of these novels. Readers follow Stephanie Plum, an unconventional bounty hunter from Trenton, New Jersey, whose escapades never fail to entertain. The series consists of over twenty novels, showcasing the enduring appeal of Stephanie’s adventures. The latest Stephanie Plum novel features an engaging plot and has quickly become an instant bestseller, appealing to both fans of the series and new readers.

For those eager to dive into Stephanie’s adventures, the series begins with “One for the Money” and continues with titles such as “Two for the Dough,” “Three to Get Deadly,” and many more that have enthralled fans for years. Each book can be enjoyed individually, but readers are encouraged to follow the publication order for the richest experience, as the growth of recurring characters and evolving stories enrich each installment. ‘One for the Money’ was also adapted into a feature film that was released in 2012, bringing Stephanie’s story to the big screen.

Janet Evanovich’s unique style and engaging plots have turned Stephanie Plum’s adventures into a beloved series that has attracted a dedicated following. The charm of Trenton’s gritty streets paired with Stephanie’s formidable yet humorous approach to bounty hunting keeps readers engrossed from one book to the next. The series has been on the New York Times bestseller list multiple times, with eleven novels reaching number one, solidifying Janet Evanovich as the most popular mystery writer alive.

Comprehensive Reading Order

The Stephanie Plum series by Janet Evanovich is a captivating blend of mystery, suspense, and humor. This list details the reading order of the series, covering the key categories: main novels, between-the-numbers novels, spin-off novels, and specials or novellas. The Stephanie Plum books have gained immense popularity, showcasing the author's journey from an aspiring writer to a bestselling novelist.

The latest Stephanie Plum book, an INSTANT #1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER, features an engaging plot involving Stephanie's complex romantic situation and her adventurous work as a bounty hunter, adding intrigue and excitement to the series.

Main Novels

The main series in Stephanie Plum’s story comprises novels that introduce readers to her exploits as a bounty hunter. These books feature Stephanie’s evolution and the colorful cast of characters around her. Below are the books in reading order:

1. One for the Money (1994)
2. Two for the Dough (1996)
3. Three to Get Deadly (1997)
4. Four to Score (1998)
5. High Five (1999)
6. Hot Six (2000)
7. Seven Up (2001)
8. Hard Eight (2002)
9. To the Nines (2003)
10. Ten Big Ones (2004)
11. Eleven on Top (2005)
12. Twelve Sharp (2006)
13. Lean Mean Thirteen (2007)
14. Fearless Fourteen (2008)
15. Finger Lickin’ Fifteen (2009)
16. Sizzling Sixteen (2010)
17. Smokin’ Seventeen (2011)
18. Explosive Eighteen (2011)
19. Notorious Nineteen (2012)
20. Takedown Twenty (2013)
21. Top Secret Twenty-One (2014)
22. Tricky Twenty-Two (2015)
23. Turbo Twenty-Three (2016)
24. Hardcore Twenty-Four (2017)
25. Look Alive Twenty-Five (2018)
26. Twisted Twenty-Six (2019)
27. Fortune and Glory (2020)
28. Game On (2021)
29. Going Rogue (2022)
30. Dirty Thirty (2023)

In Stephanie's opinion, her chaotic life in New Jersey adds a humorous touch to the series, as she lists various elements of her environment that set the stage for her adventures.

Each book presents a unique mystery woven seamlessly with humor, as Stephanie navigates her role as a bounty hunter.

Between-the-Numbers Novels

These entries provide lighter, holiday-themed adventures featuring Stephanie Plum and often involve supernatural or extraordinary elements. While less central to the main storyline, they enrich the series with quirky diversions:

• Visions of Sugar Plums (2002)
• Plum Lovin’ (2006)
• Plum Lucky (2008)
• Plum Spooky (2009)

The between-the-numbers novels often introduce new characters and challenges. The Washington Post has praised the series for its engaging and humorous storytelling, adding credibility and appeal to Janet Evanovich’s writing.

Spin-Off Novels

While the primary focus is often on the main series, Janet Evanovich has co-authored spin-off series that appeal to fans of Stephanie Plum. These series often focus on different settings or concepts:

• Fox and O’Hare Series
• Knight and Moon Series
• Alexandra Barnaby Books

Another engaging series by Janet Evanovich is the Lizzy and Diesel Series, which showcases her versatility as an author.

These novels provide a broader look at Evanovich’s storytelling and often maintain a similar tone and pacing to the Plum series.

Specials and Novellas

Janet Evanovich has written several specials and novellas that expand the Stephanie Plum universe. These shorter works provide extra stories for devoted fans. The latest Stephanie Plum novel, an INSTANT #1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER, features an engaging plot involving Stephanie's complex romantic situation and her adventurous work as a bounty hunter, adding intrigue and excitement to the series. Supplemental material often accompanies the main series, adding depth and humor:

• The Last Peep (1999)
• Holiday-themed novellas

Special editions, like holiday stories, offer companions to the main books, featuring beloved characters in new situations.

Introduction to Bounty Hunter Stephanie Plum

The Stephanie Plum series by Janet Evanovich is a beloved collection of humorous mystery novels that follow the adventures of a bounty hunter named Stephanie Plum. With over 30 books in the series, Stephanie Plum has become a household name, and her exploits have captivated readers worldwide. As a bounty hunter, Stephanie Plum is a unique blend of Dirty Harry and Nancy Drew, with a penchant for getting into trouble and a knack for solving mysteries.

Throughout the series, Stephanie Plum’s character has evolved, but her wit, humor, and determination have remained constant. With the help of her friends and family, including Lula, Connie, and Grandma Mazur, Stephanie navigates the complex world of bounty hunting in Trenton, New Jersey. From tracking down fugitives to dealing with her love life, Stephanie Plum’s adventures are always filled with humor, action, and romance.

Janet Evanovich’s writing style has been praised for its humor, wit, and engaging characters, making the Stephanie Plum series a must-read for fans of mystery and romance novels. With its unique blend of humor, mystery, and romance, the Stephanie Plum series has become a staple of contemporary crime fiction.

Overview of the Bounty Hunter Stephanie Plum Series

The Stephanie Plum series by Janet Evanovich features Stephanie Plum, a determined bounty hunter. Set primarily in Trenton, New Jersey, often referred to as ‘the Burg,’ the series blends elements of crime and humor to create engaging stories.

Stephanie Plum navigates a world filled with quirky characters. Joe Morelli, a local cop, often crosses paths with her, adding both tension and romance. Over the course of the series, Stephanie develops from an uncertain woman into a more responsible bounty hunter, reflecting her growth and resilience.

Another recurring character is Diesel, adding mystery and intrigue to the narrative. The spin-off series Lizzy and Diesel draws from his enigmatic nature.

Each novel sees Stephanie dealing with new challenges, combining crime-solving with comedic escapades. Her unique approach to bounty hunting sets her apart from traditional detectives.

Trenton serves not only as a backdrop but as a character in itself, influencing the stories’ dynamics. The series captivates with its combination of action, romance, and humor, offering readers a thrilling yet light-hearted experience.

Janet Evanovich, often hailed as the most popular mystery writer alive by The New York Times, continues to enthrall readers with her engaging storytelling and memorable characters.

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